Buick Encore: Driving Information / Braking

Buick Encore 2020-2024 Owner's Manual / Driving and Operating / Driving Information / Braking

Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time.

Average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency.

Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:

Keep enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Avoid needless heavy braking.
Keep pace with traffic.

If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the seat belt. See Seat Belts. Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes...

Steering

Caution To avoid damage to the steering system, do not drive over curbs, parking barriers, or similar objects at speeds greater than 3 km/h (1 mph)...

Other information:

Buick Encore 2020-2024 Owner's Manual: Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light

The StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Traction Control System (TCS) indicator/warning light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off...

Buick Encore 2020-2024 Owner's Manual: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

The LATCH system secures a child restraint during driving or in a crash. LATCH attachments on the child restraint are used to attach the child restraint to the anchors in the vehicle. The LATCH system is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier...